Okunbor makes Kerry to Kardinia switch

Geelong has signed Gaelic footballer Stefan Okunbor as a Category B Rookie for the next two seasons.

The Irishman is an emerging player in his homelandand has been on the AFL scouting radar for a few years.In 2017 Okunbor was invited to attend the AFL Academy Camp in Florida and the AFL National Combine in Melbourne.

The 20-year-old then returned home to Ireland to work on hisgame, playing for home club Na Gaeil in Tralee,University of Limerick and Kerry U20’s at inter-county level.

Okunbor had a dominant season in 2018 where he was awarded U20 Munster Player of the year and helped Kerry secure the Munster title with a man-of-the match display against Cork.

Awell-rounded athlete, Okunbor has strong defensive qualities,and takes the game on with ball in hand.

Geelong’s recruiting team have followed the young defender closely over the last few years, and have been impressed by a number of his performances with Kerry and Na Gaeil.

“Stefan is a physicalandcompetitive player.His speed, power and endurance are well-suited to AFL football,” Geelong’s recruiting and list manager Stephen Wells said.

“He is a talented young player, who has wholly committed to the opportunity of becoming an AFL footballer.”

Okunbor’s signing makes him the third Irishman on Geelong’s list, joining fellow Kerry local Mark O’Connor and Zach Tuohy at GMHBA Stadium. Okunbor will arrive at the Cats in November.

Geelong have also elevated rookies Jack Henry and Mark O’Connor to the club’s senior list.

A rookie draft selection in 2017, Henry enjoyed a breakout year, playing 22 consecutive games after his AFL debut in round 2. Henry was named the club’s Best Young Player at the club’s ‘Carji’ Greeves Medal after playing a key position role in both attack and defence, he also earned a rising star nomination in round 7.

A former Gaelic footballer, O’Connor joined the Cats in the 2016 pre-season and has played seven games since debuting in round 8, 2017 including this year’s elimination final clash with Melbourne.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs